Famed for forests fragrant with cinnamon, allspice, cocoa and nutmeg, Pure Grenada is a three-island nation state comprising Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique located in the Windward Islands and is The Gateway to the Grenadines. The majority of tourism activity takes place on Grenada with Carriacou a must-visit for scuba divers and snorkelers, whilst on Petite Martinique many inhabitants build boats or make their living by fishing.

Grenada’s capital St George’s is known for having one of the prettiest harbours in the Caribbean with charming architecture, 300-year-old churches and narrow streets. Fort George and Fort Frederick date back to the 18th century and command unrivalled views across the double horseshoe bay out to the Caribbean Sea beyond.

The island prides itself that the majority of its inviting hotels and resorts are owner managed and no more than a fifteen minute drive from the international Maurice Bishop Airport.

Lapped by the warm Caribbean Sea the island’s most renowned beach is Grand Anse, a spectacular 2-mile stretch of golden sand. Other more intimate beaches include; L’Anse Aux Epines and La Sagesse on the east of the island. Head north for Bathway Beach and to view Grenada’s rich agricultural and natural bounty.

On the western coast you will find Gouyave where you can visit one of the nutmeg-processing stations – where each nutmeg is graded by hand - and each Friday Gouyave, Grenada’s main fishing village, hosts Fish Friday.

In the north you will find Belmont Estate and the Grenada Chocolate Company. Take the bean to bar tour, complete with a lunch that includes chocolate in all courses. Nearby, historic River Antoine Rum Distillery is the Caribbean’s only water-powered mill still operating. While in the area experience the serene Lake Antoine.

Sailing has long been an integral part of Grenada’s lifestyle. Visitors can hire yachts for day excursions or weekly charters with crew or bareboat. Game fishing is big sport here and late January heralds the three-day Spice Island Billfish Tournament. Hiking trails with breathtaking scenery challenge walkers of all ability levels. Savour the delights of the many gardens open to the public that are the inspiration for the many Gold Medals awarded to the island’s exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Active visitors can also sign up for can kayak in the quiet waters of Egmont Harbour, or snorkel and kayak over the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park in the Marine Protected Molinere Bay. Thrill seekers can rivertube through the rainforest or take part in a weekly hash run with locals and visitors alike.

Annual celebrations include at the end of January the Grenada Sailing Festival and Independence Day in February. In April, big-drum, string-band music and quadrille dancing take centre stage at the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival, and in 2016 a new Music Festival launches. Visit in May for the Grenada Chocolate Fest. In December, delve into the three-day carol-singing festivities of the Carriacou Parang Festival.

Read more

Airports / Gateways / Flying times

Airport: Maurice Bishop International Airport. 15 mins from the capital, St. George’s, on the southwestern tip of the island. 7 mins from the many of the hotels located around Grand Anse.

Gateways/Flying Times: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly from Gatwick twice each week. Flying times including stopovers: approx 10 hours 30 minutes.

Climate

Average daytime temperatures range from 24 degrees C/75 degrees F to 33 degrees C/91 degrees F tempered by the cooling trade winds. The nights are cooler. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. It is cooler in the hills. Driest season is January to May. Rainy season is June to December. Grenada is not located within the Hurricane Belt so there is no ‘hurricane season’.

Dining

Restaurants available-Local. International. Creole. French. Continental. Chinese. Japanese. Italian and of course West Indian. 10% service charge unless already added to the bill. Dress code is casual to elegantly casual, with gentlemen generally not required to wear a jacket and tie although long trousers are required in the evening at some restaurants.